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Counselling Suicidal Clients
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Counselling Suicidal Clients

  • Andrew Reeves - Professor in the Counselling Professions and Mental Health, Senior BACP Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist and Registered Social Worker.


February 2010 | 200 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
"I have worked in psychiatry as well as in private practice with suicidal people. I found it poignant and true when Reeves points out that people do not have to be mad to be suicidal and '…that assessing suicide potential fundamentally lies in engaging with the suicidal client at a deeper relational level'. So true. This thoroughly researched book is written with passion and compassion. It will be a valuable addition to the libraries of therapists and anyone else who works with suicidal people." -

Therapy Today, July 2010

"A uniquely accessible, comprehensive and practical guide. Essential reading for counsellors and psychotherapists and all helping professionals who work with clients at risk of suicide." -

Mick Cooper, Professor of Counselling, University of Strathclyde

"A 'must read' for counsellors of all experience levels, offering sound practical strategies alongside thought-provoking case studies and discussion points. Reeves addresses this difficult topic with depth, breadth and integrity. Excellent." -

Denise Meyer, developer and lead author of www.studentdepression.org

"Andrew Reeves brings together his experience as a social worker, counsellor and academic to explore the essential elements in working with suicidal clients. His openness and integrity in writing about this complex topic creates a valuable resource for reflective practice." -

Barbara Mitchels, Solicitor and Director of Watershed Counselling Service, Devon.

Counselling Suicidal Clients addresses the important professional considerations when working with clients who are suicidal. The 'bigger picture', including legal and ethical considerations and organisational policy and procedures is explored, as is to how practitioners can work with the dynamics of suicide potential in the therapeutic process.

The book is divided into six main parts:

- The changing context of suicide

- The prediction-prevention model, policy and ethics

- The influence of the organisation

- The client process

- The practitioner process

- The practice of counselling with suicidal clients.

The book also includes chapters on the discourse of suicide, suicide and self-injury, and self-care for the counsellor. It is written for counsellors and psychotherapists, and for any professional who uses counselling skills when supporting suicidal people.

 
PART ONE: CONTEXTUAL ASPECTS OF WORKING WITH SUICIDE RISK
 
Suicide and Counselling: An Introduction
 
Historical Perspectives on Suicide and the Emergence of the Medical Model
 
Suicide Trends and Statistics
 
PART TWO: THE PREDICTION-PREVENTION MODEL, POLICY AND ETHICS
 
Suicide Risk Factors and Assessment
 
The Influence of Policy and the Prediction-Prevention Culture
 
The Ethical Imperative of Suicide
 
Confidentiality, Capacity and Consent
 
PART THREE: ORGANIZATIONS
 
Counselling Suicidal Clients in Organizational Settings
 
Developing Procedures and Guidance
 
PART FOUR: THE CLIENT PROCESS
 
Understanding Suicide
 
The Use of Language in Counselling Suicidal Clients
 
From Self-Murder to Self-Support
 
Suicide and Self-Injury: Annihilation and Survival
 
PART FIVE: THE COUNSELLOR PROCESS
 
The Counsellor and Suicide Risk: Personal Perspectives and Professional Actions
 
Potential Dangers and Difficulties
 
PART SIX: KEY ASPECTS OF COUNSELLING WITH SUICIDAL CLIENTS
 
Tightropes and Safety Nets: Supporting Practice
 
Good Practice for Self-Support
 
Training Implications for Counselling
 
PART SEVEN: CONCLUSIONS
 
Concluding Thoughts

'Andrew Reeves has produced a timely and challenging book that maintains a vital

balance between scholarship, original research, clinical insight, practical

application and an evident compassion for those in such need' -
European Journal of Psychotherapy and Counselling


A fantasic look at counselling thiose who are suicidal, a really interestig book well written and informative on a very difficult area.

Miss Sam Ford
Psychology, Southend Adult Community College
July 18, 2019

The chapter on understanding suicide was by far the most important and perhaps should have been at the front of the book. Nevertheless, an excellent book with insightful information

Ms Liz Swanson
Early Years Health and Care, South Essex College
September 3, 2015

A clear insight into the subject. A great book

Miss Nicola Lord
department of health, preston collage
November 14, 2014

Brilliant book. Covers essential issues in a sensitive and thoughtful manner. Read this and be better prepared should a client develop suicidal ideation.

Mrs Izzy Poyntz
Department of Psychology, Roehampton University
October 28, 2014

This is a useful book for humanistic psychotherapists who engage with social constructs, public health policy, public and voluntary services, and the traumas, needs and choices of their clients. It raises critical questions and does not reach for quick answers to complex dilemmas.

Mr Gerry Myers
Dept of Education & Professional Studies, University of Limerick
June 23, 2014

A useful text for trainees who have a specific interest in this area. The book was not as useful for basic training as others I have come across.

Mrs Julie Wyman
Book Reviews, Devon Counselling College
March 11, 2014

Very clear and structured text book.
Valuable and thought provoking, Andrew Reeves captures the essence of some of the dilemmas around open discussions with clients.

This book proves to be a good resource to critically evaluate work with clients who are often invisible or misunderstood.

Ms Patricia Gagni
Counselling and Psychology, City Lit
February 25, 2014

A thought provoking text on this complex subject. Important reading for all trainee counsellors.

Dr Clare Green
Division of Psychology, Northampton University
October 1, 2013

Interesting and very practical

Mr Sivan Koran
Psychology, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
July 6, 2012

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter One

Chapter Two


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ISBN: 9781412946360
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